Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala Assembly criticized the state Budget’s plan to offer tax benefits for low-alcohol liquor, alleging corrupt motives. Vijayan claimed the move favored a private liquor company, suggesting improper insertion of the tax proposal without due consideration. He emphasized the potential for significant profits for the private firm due to the tax reduction.
Vijayan specifically pointed to a Karnataka-based liquor company, Bacardi, as the intended beneficiary of the tax concession. Despite seeking an adjournment motion on the issue, the Speaker dismissed it, citing its relevance to the Budget discussion. This decision led to a protest by the Opposition members, who raised slogans and eventually walked out of the Assembly.
The Speaker clarified that the matter needed to be addressed during the Budget debate and assured a government response at the appropriate juncture. K.N. Balagopal, a former Finance Minister, expressed concerns over the issue being omitted from Sabha TV, highlighting growing apprehensions of corruption. He also referenced a previous government’s decision to defer a proposal related to producing alcohol from fruits and vegetables due to potential social implications.
